Businessman acquitted of forgery charges after 5-year legal battle

In a landmark ruling, Justice I.O. Ijelu of the Lagos State High Court in Ikeja has discharged and acquitted businessman Mark Obisesan and three others of forgery charges leveled against them by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

Obisesan, along with co-defendants Olumide McIntoush, Bolaji Bakare, and Goodluck Bazunu, had been on trial since 2019 for allegedly possessing forged traveller’s cheques and conspiring to purchase counterfeit bank notes.

Despite multiple delays over the years, all defendants maintained their innocence throughout the case.

Delivering his judgement, Justice Ijelu ruled that the EFCC failed to substantiate the 11 counts against the accused, stating that the prosecution did not present sufficient evidence to establish their involvement in the alleged crimes.

He further criticised the EFCC’s investigation, calling it “haphazard and woeful,” and affirmed that no clear link was established between the defendants and the charges.

Speaking after the ruling, Obisesan expressed relief but also shared his frustration, noting, “It’s unfortunate that the EFCC chose to waste state resources on a case that had no merit from the start. Such poorly investigated cases should not be taking up the valuable time of the courts.”

Obisesan also reflected on the personal and professional damage caused by the five-year legal battle, citing lost opportunities and relationships. Nonetheless, he expressed gratitude for finally being vindicated.